West Coast Business Forum & Awards Dinner

Join us for a casual networking reception with PAIR Award recipients, forum attendees, CCIB board members, staff, sponsors, and speakers. Tickets can be purchased during registration. 

We invite you to visit and explore the Indigenous Marketplace, which will feature a diverse selection of Indigenous artisans and businesses, offering unique products and showcasing local craftsmanship.

Presented by iA Financial Group

The Networking Lounge serves as a dedicated meeting space for attendees to connect, collaborate, and engage in meaningful discussions throughout the event. Use CCIB’s new event app to connect with attendees and book meetings in the Networking Lounge.

Don’t forget to stop by and take a professional headshot with our photobooth!

Presented by Civeo

Pick up your badge, grab a coffee and connect with fellow attendees.

Coffee Connection Presented by Farm Credit Canada

Nation-Building through Indigenous Economic Sovereignty: The Key to Canada’s Strategic Future

Indigenous leadership is reshaping Canada’s national priorities — from energy and critical minerals to Arctic sovereignty and beyond. This panel will explore how Indigenous communities, as rights-holders and economic partners, are driving progress in key sectors. Speakers will discuss how Indigenous economic sovereignty is essential not only to reconciliation, but to Canada’s long-term strategic and economic success.

Presented by Scotiabank 

1: Evolving the Workplace with a Focus on Indigenous Peoples

This panel explores successful models for building and retaining Indigenous Peoples and creating safe, supportive and inclusive workplaces. From building capacity through bursaries and mentorship programs, to the importance of culture and protocol, panelists will share stories and help attendees reimagine the opportunities we all have to contribute to culturally informed workplaces that support Indigenous inclusion and equitable practices.

2: Understanding AI — Opportunities, Risks & What It Means for You

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly reshaping how we live, work, and connect. This breakout session offers an accessible and engaging introduction to AI—what it is, how it’s being used, and what it could mean for individuals, communities, and industries. Whether you’re curious or cautious, join us for a thoughtful conversation on the possibilities, challenges, and ethical considerations of this transformative technology.

     Presented by Rogers

3: Nations Rising: Economic Sovereignty Through the Public Markets

Across Canada, Indigenous communities are exploring new ways to build long-term wealth and reduce reliance on government funding—especially where resource development is taking place on their territories. This breakout session will introduce Nations Royalty, Canada’s first majority Indigenous-owned public royalty company, and explore how it is transforming Benefit Agreement payments into community-led, generational wealth.

Launched by the Nisga’a Nation in partnership with capital markets veteran Frank Giustra, Nations Royalty was created to keep Indigenous wealth in Indigenous hands. Through a fireside-style conversation with Nisga’a leadership, attendees will hear firsthand why Nisga’a made this bold move, what it means to be majority owners of a public company, how the company supports financial sovereignty across Treaty and non-Treaty territories, and how public investors are accessing the expanding Indigenous business sector.

The session will also showcase the Nations Rising trailer, followed by insights from Nations Royalty’s leadership on how public markets work, how royalty payments can be diversified, and what this model means for other Indigenous communities across the country.

Enjoy a variety of dishes while networking with fellow attendees.

This interactive session pairs emerging voices with experienced leaders for two 15-minute conversations.

Emerging Entrepreneur & Seasoned Entrepreneur: A candid exchange on building a business, navigating challenges, and fostering innovation.

Emerging Professional & Senior Leader: A conversation focused on leadership, career growth, and mentorship across generations.

1: Evolving the Workplace with a Focus on Indigenous Peoples

This panel explores successful models for building and retaining Indigenous Peoples and creating safe, supportive and inclusive workplaces. From building capacity through bursaries and mentorship programs, to the importance of culture and protocol, panelists will share stories and help attendees reimagine the opportunities we all have to contribute to culturally informed workplaces that support Indigenous inclusion and equitable practices.

2: Understanding AI — Opportunities, Risks & What It Means for You

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly reshaping how we live, work, and connect. This breakout session offers an accessible and engaging introduction to AI—what it is, how it’s being used, and what it could mean for individuals, communities, and industries. Whether you’re curious or cautious, join us for a thoughtful conversation on the possibilities, challenges, and ethical considerations of this transformative technology.

     Presented by Rogers

3: Nations Rising: Economic Sovereignty Through the Public Markets

Across Canada, Indigenous communities are exploring new ways to build long-term wealth and reduce reliance on government funding—especially where resource development is taking place on their territories. This breakout session will introduce Nations Royalty, Canada’s first majority Indigenous-owned public royalty company, and explore how it is transforming Benefit Agreement payments into community-led, generational wealth.

Launched by the Nisga’a Nation in partnership with capital markets veteran Frank Giustra, Nations Royalty was created to keep Indigenous wealth in Indigenous hands. Through a fireside-style conversation with Nisga’a leadership, attendees will hear firsthand why Nisga’a made this bold move, what it means to be majority owners of a public company, how the company supports financial sovereignty across Treaty and non-Treaty territories, and how public investors are accessing the expanding Indigenous business sector.

The session will also showcase the Nations Rising trailer, followed by insights from Nations Royalty’s leadership on how public markets work, how royalty payments can be diversified, and what this model means for other Indigenous communities across the country.

Enjoy some refreshments and light snacks.

Title: 21 Things™ You Need to Know About Indigenous Self-Government

Description: What do you need to know about Indigenous Self-Government? What would a way forward without the Indian Act look like for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians?

Join author and Master Trainer Bob Joseph, who will be discussing Indigenous self-government, dismantling the Indian Act, advancing reconciliation, and his newest book, 21 Things™ You Need to Know About Indigenous Self-Government.

Biography: Bob Joseph, co-founder and president of Indigenous Corporate Training Inc. (ICT), has provided training on Indigenous relations since 1994. ICT has a diverse range of clients, including all levels of government, Fortune 500 companies, resource development companies, and small and medium-sized businesses.

Bob has worked internationally for clients in the United States, Guatemala, Peru, and New Caledonia in the South Pacific. In 2006, Bob co-facilitated a worldwide Indigenous Peoples round table in Switzerland, which included participants from the United Nations; Australia; New Zealand; North, Central, and South America; Africa; and the Philippines.

Bob is also a certified Master Trainer and the author of the national bestseller 21 Things™ You May Not Know About the Indian Act.

A final reflection on the day’s insights and a note of thanks to our speakers, sponsors, and guests.

Join us for an evening reception to network with attendees over cocktails and light hors d’oeuvres.

Presented by CIBC

Award Category Presentation: Excellence in Indigenous Relations

Recipient: Art Cunningham

Presented by: Sysco Canada

Enjoy a delicious dinner that complements the evening’s celebration and fosters meaningful connections.

Presented by Vancity Credit Union

Award Category Presentation: Indigenous Business of the Year

Recipient: Bouchier Group

Presented by ESS

Conclusion of the evening with a heartfelt thanks and recognition of the outstanding achievements celebrated tonight.